How can I help my child write a story?
Help your child write a story by asking questions instead of giving answers: who is the hero, what do they want, and what's in the way? Plan a beginning, middle and end together, let them write or tell the first draft without worrying about spelling, then read it aloud and improve it one thing at a time.
Six steps to write a story together
- 1
Start with a hero they care about
Kids write more when the story stars someone they love: themselves, a sibling, a grandparent or a pet.
- 2
Ask what the hero wants
A treasure, to win a race, to get home. Wanting something gives the story a direction.
- 3
Add a problem
Ask what could go wrong. The bigger the problem, the more exciting the story.
- 4
Plan three parts
Sketch the beginning, middle and end in a few words each before writing anything long.
- 5
Write the first draft fast
Let them write, type or say it out loud while you scribe. Spelling and neatness can wait.
- 6
Read it aloud and improve one thing
Pick one thing to make better, like a stronger first line or a funnier ending, rather than correcting everything.
What to say when they get stuck
- “What would happen if…?” opens up new ideas without taking over.
- “Show me how they feel” helps them add detail.
- “What's the worst thing that could happen next?” keeps the middle exciting.
- “How does it end for the hero?” helps them finish.
Keep it theirs
It's tempting to fix sentences, but the story is most valuable when it sounds like your child. Praise ideas first, and suggest one change at a time.
How CreateStories.app helps
CreateStories.app follows the same steps: your child designs the characters (with real photos if they like), builds the world and plans the plot. Story Helper turns the plan into a first draft, and your child edits it until it sounds like them. Every page comes back illustrated.
Writing tips to try
More questions
What age can kids start writing their own stories?
Kids can tell stories long before they write them. From about 7, most can plan and write a short story with some help; younger children can tell it while a grown-up types.
How long should a child's story be?
Short is fine. A complete story with a clear beginning, middle and end matters more than length.
Should I correct my child's spelling while they write?
Not during the first draft. Let the ideas flow, then fix a few things together afterwards.